How many boats?

[Wiggo]

Given that we spend, reputedly, 10-15% of the capital value of our boats each year in running costs, would anyone like to hazard a guess at the number of boats in the UK, and the average value of each?

I saw a figure of 130,000 boats - an average value of say £50k would make boating a £750m industry...

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/graham.wignall/boats/eulimene600x800.jpg>The old and the new</A>

 

[whisper]

I suspect that you are rather high on the average value figure. I'd be surprised if the average value was more than £20k. I've no idea how one can find out the number of useable boats that there are.

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[Moose]

I think 50k sounds about right

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[kimhollamby]

A recent survey of coastal berths in the UK estimated availability at 150,000, split 41 per cent pontoon berths, 28 per cent swinging (buoy) moorings and 31 per cent other types such as fore-and-aft (between piles) moorings and dry moorings.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ybw.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20040015115716ibinews.html>Further info here</A>

I haven't seen figures for inland yet but that will add something well into five figures.

You would certainly be safer assuming a relatively high average value for the 41 per cent of 150,000 moored in marinas around the coast.

If you want to estimate the true value of the industry you have to consider the value of reliant services and related activity. Plus of course the value to the UK of inward boat tourism -- I think this is one area that would get hard hit by a three-times increase in duty.

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[whisper]

Well certainly if one thinks about what boats one sees in marinas and on pontoon berths then £50k would probably be slightly conservative. BUT there are an awful lot of smaller & older boats dotted about on swinging/drying moorings and on driveways & hardstandings. There are thousands? of small (under 22ft) fishing boats and runabouts in the country, the average value of which would not exceed £10k. Mind you the majority of these will be outboard powered so may not be relevant.

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